Transformation of linguistic values in numerical values using fuzzy logic
Primary research in social sciences is mostly used in survey questionnaires. Within the questionnaire, it is possible to elaborate questions in different ways. However, when measuring the quantitative properties, the most frequently used scale is Likert scale. Responses to statements are constructed in for of language values. In order to show the statistical analysis of the obtained results in the form of language values, it is necessary to convert them into numerical values. The aim of this paper is to show that we can transform linguistic values into numerical values using fuzzy logic and the corresponding methods. The subject of the paper is to offer an innovative methodology for the transformation of linguistic values into numerical ones so that they can be statistically processed. Converting is usually done by assigning a numerical value to a particular statement. If a 7-scale is applied, then transformations into numeric values are made from 1 to 7. For human way of thinking it is easier to use the linguistic value of the answer because it is not possible to give precise answers to some questions. Therefore, this paper presents a methodology in which linguistic values can be converted into numerical values using fuzzy logic. The transformation process is explained by an example variable of supply chain practice.